Professional Web Site Design from Start to Finish

This book was very simple and easy to read but at the same time very complete with a wealth of information. The screenshots and illustrations made it that much real. It had wonderful references for book and a lot of helpful websites. It really was excellent because this book cut out all the theories and things you do not have time to read. It went right to the core and where you need to go in order to get the job done.

I thought I would share my letter to the author as it best sums up my most favorable opinion: "It is definitely rare that I would feel so moved as to write to the author of any book. But--I just wanted to thank you for writing such a helpful and easy to digest book about the web design process. I have a background in art and design but have been stammering through the web design process somewhat independently for the last few years. As a result, I have been in search of a book that could enlighten me on "the way it's really supposed to be done". Your book has been so helpful to me and was a source of encouragement to me through my last project. I also have to say I get a real kick out of the tone of the book--I hope you have a few more in you!! I certainly have had my share of dry/dull geekie books--fortunately your book will not topple that dusty stack. Again, for what its worth, thank you!!"

It is seldom that you find such a beneficial book so easy to understand. As both a professional and casual web designer, I not only uncovered many things in this book that I knew nothing of, but my knowledge of things such as professional design planning was increased exponentially. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone who considers themselves a web designer, as a reference or as an educational guide. Concepcion, being a seasoned magazine writer, approaches very complex tasks in a down-to-earth manner, making it easy for beginners to understand, while not alienating someone more advanced like myself. I know what all of my fellow webmaster will be receiving for Christmas this year.

What a find this book is. The chapter on Creating Search Engine Friendly pages, especially the funny and eye-opening side section called "Search Engine Myth Busting" was worth the price of the book itself. I just came out of a meeting with a web client where we discussed this exact topic, and now they think I'm a guru! The author has definitely done her homework. She separates the wheat from the chafe and lays it out clearly. I especially liked the areas where she explains how to handle managing different parts of the project, like "if you're the project manager and someone else is doing the designing, here's what you hand over, here's what you should make sure they know," etc. She does the same if you're the designer ... "here's what you need from the client, here's where you shouldn't proceed until you get their approval." People in this business know that with larger projects there's usually a lot of chefs messing with the broth. This book helps you to keep that under control without ruffling feathers. Exactly like the title says: How to create a web site in a *professional* way. There's lots of production info here too (like fonts that will always work, where to find and how to add CGI scripts), but just the right amount of information is presented... not too elementary, not too advanced, exactly what I needed -- since I've been avoiding using some of these more advanced things since I never really understood what they're about. The appendix is incredible. I didn't know about the web-design listserv for example, or all the places where I can get free, useful CGI scripts with help files. All in all an incredibly helpful from-the-trenches sort of guide full of primo information, by a gal who really knows how to write. I can't wait for her next book! (I hope it's on e-commerce.)